Councillors have approved plans to spend more than £1m upgrading the domed roof of Wales’ largest indoor market.

Swansea Market, famous for its cockles, mussels and other local produce, is covered by a steel arched portal frame roof clad in steel and glass. It was built in 1959-1960 by Percy Edwards.

The site has been used as a market since the middle ages. A previous incarnation of the market was destroyed during bombing raids during World War II.

A million pound-plus refurbishment is now necessary as the roof has fallen prey to the ravages of time and has started to leak.

The work could see the introduction of energy-efficiency measures like integrated solar panels and rainwater drainage.

Roofing sheets will be replaced, lights will be renewed and flat roof areas will be treated.

A planning application with the exact nature of the works will be submitted to Swansea Council but the authority’s ruling cabinet has given its backing to the plan.

A Swansea Council spokesman said: “Every effort will be made to minimise disruption to trade while the works are ongoing and market traders will be kept updated.”

Russell Greenslade, chief executive of Swansea BID (Business Improvement District), said: “This is great news as Swansea Market is one of the economic drivers of our city centre. As the largest indoor market in the country, it bolsters our city centre retail offering and trading environment.

“The investment by Swansea Council in its future is welcome news and certainly a positive step in the right direction for the city centre.”

Adrian Coakley-Greene, owner of Coakley-Greene Fishmongers in the market, added: “The project to refurbish the market roof is going to be worth every penny. The last upgrade has worked very well, but it’s now exceeded its life expectancy.

“Our market is the jewel in the city centre’s crown – a real focal point with fantastic stalls and fantastic products, many of which are sourced locally. It’s not just the best in Wales, I also think it’s the best of its kind in the UK.

“We need to do what we can to make sure the market building looks as good as possible, especially at a time when the eyes of the world are on Swansea because of the city’s Premier League status.

“Everyone in the market will applaud this news because it’s a second home for the stallholders, but we’ll also work closely with Swansea Council to ensure disruption is minimised during the upgrade works.”

Swansea Council also now has the opportunity to match-fund the scheme from other sources under the “Waterfront City” programme.

It could lead to other improvements at the market including more floor space, better signage and improved entrances.